To mark the 2018 International Women’s Day, here are six data visualizations to show the status of women in Nepal.

The proportion of employed women has decreased

The proportion of women who were employed was only 68% in 2016 compared to 83% in 2006.

“Among employed respondents, women are almost three times more likely than men not to be paid (52% versus 16%),” according to the demographic and health survey (PDF) by the Government of Nepal.

Spousal violence has decreased

One in four women in Nepal experienced spousal violence in 2016. While that number is very high, it has declined since 2011 when 32% of women or one in three experienced spousal violence.

Spousal violence in the Terai region is high compared to other regions. One in three women in the Terai reported spousal violence. Women in Province 2 (37%) are most likely to experience spousal physical, sexual, or emotional violence, and those in Province 4 (16%) least likely to do so.

Explore the map to see the level of spousal violence by Provinces in Nepal.

More women agree that wife beating is justified

More than one in four women agree that wife beating is justified under a specific circumstance.

“The proportion of women who consider wife beating justifiable under specific circumstances increased from 23% in 2006 to 29% in 2016. The proportion among men increased marginally, from 21% to 23%.

Women living in “Province 2 (33%) and Province 7 (34%) are most likely to have attitudes justifying wife beating under any one specific circumstance.”

Explore the map below to see the attitude of women towards wife beating in Provinces of Nepal

Proportion of seats held by women in national parliament of Nepal remains unchanged

In 2017, proportion of seats held by women in national parliament of Nepal was about 30% like that of in 2016, 2015 and 2014. In 2013, proportion of seats held by women in Nepal’s national parliament was 33.2%.

More women are head of households

Almost one out of every three households in Nepal is headed by a female. Evidence strongly suggests that this trend is a result of migration as most migrants are male and family heads.

Women’s literacy rate has increased

In 1991, only 17% of Nepali women (15 years or older) were literate. In 2015, almost 57% of women were literate.

Education is the most important way to empower women. In last quarter century, women’s literacy rate has increased almost three times. There is still a long way to go when all women of Nepal will be literate.

What do you think about the status of women in Nepal? Tell us in the comments below.

(If you would like to embed these dataviz, check out this Google doc for the embed code.)